Happy March – Happy Ski Day!

Published March 2, 2013

Stephen made the cross-country trek from New Hampshire to enjoy our Colorado powder AND to visit Ro of course.

[Aside – Ro will make a blog return for Spring hiking season. Appreciate everyone’s emails & comments :)]

Warm weather weekend but still lotta snow on the slopes after last Wednesday’s blizzard. Headed out early to Eldora after dropping Ro for the day at his pal Molly’s house. Next year I’ll venture past Eldora – still my first year of downhilling.

Grabbed a half day lesson with Wilf, a veteran German ski instructor (> 40 years of experience). Most of us feared Wilf but I did learn additional skills (Christie turns) to help improve traversing.

Still believe the key is to stay aggressive, show no fear. Skied Blue this day (bit embarrassing at my age but not crazy horrible after only 2 downhill lessons). Love the challenge of tightening turns. The tighter the turn, the more snow I spray & the more physical the sport becomes (the part I like). ALSO helps to maintain some semblance of control.

Fun day – always fun skiing with friends.

All said, ready to x-country ski again. Easier on my wallet, love the back country isolation & enjoy the workout. Next year, think I’m investing in x-country skis and an annual pass to RMNP.

LOVING all the possibilities in my Colorado life!

Happy March 2013!

Colorado powder

learned ‘Christies’ from instructor Wilf

1st time Skiing ‘Blue’

Believe-to-Achieve Thursday: Don’t Quit

Published February 28, 2013

Been struggling since completing my 10 mile February race, so the theme for this week’s post – Don’t Quit!

Attended a nutrition class with neighbor Debbie – now adding nuts & Greek yogurt (and maybe fish – I like fish but hate smelling up my home) but other than that…diet is a-ok, 2013 uber healthy guy
2 months of 2013 down, 2 books read & 3 races completed – right on track, Moab half-marathon is next!

Movie(s) of the Week

‘Saturday Night Fever’ (1977) — John Travolta was ammmazzzzing (nominated for Oscar) & the music is super retro fun (Bee Gees)

‘Eat, Pray, Love’ (2010) — not a huge Julia Roberts fan but I liked this movie’s theme — change is possible; it takes courage for an individual to humble themselves, step out of one’s comfort zone, and succumb to the process of healing

Book-a-Month Goal/February

‘Let It Go’ by Chris Williams

Newest Random Act of Kindness

Clearing snow from car windshields whom park beside me. Honestly it only takes a few extra minutes 🙂

Runner Log

Sat Feb 16^th – RACE DAY (Snowman Stampede 10M, Littleton CO)

Sun Feb 17^th – 7 miles

Wed Feb 20^th – 3 miles

Sat Feb 23^rd 10AM – 5 miles

Sat Feb 23^rd NOON – 5 miles

Sat Feb 23^rd 2PM – 2.25 miles

Sun Feb 24^th – 13 miles

Mon Feb 25^th – 5 miles

Tue Feb 26^th – 5 miles

Wed Feb 27^th – 6 miles

Thu Feb 28^th – 1 mile

YTD total – 283.25 miles

Posted in Run Challenges | 4 Comments

hike #53: Gem Lake (RMNP)

Published February 23, 2013

Had been flying high for several weeks, marathon training right on track, successfully finished my 1^st 10 mile race Saturday past, then BAM – unexpectedly hit by the blues. Not 100% sure why…maybe one too many ‘All by Myself’ Valentines, maybe too much running (body needs a break), maybe nutrition/diet issues (have dropped too many pounds lately) – either way….

After almost a week of struggling with the February blues, couldn’t have been more excited to see my Colorado hiking friends – for a moonlight hike to Gem Lake in Rocky Mountain Nat’l Park. FAAANNNNTASTIC!

In addition to John, Annmarie & myself, we added Lisa, Paul & Terri to our Gem Lake group – making our team tally 6! Who wouldn’t want to snowshoe at night in February? HA!

Fortunately/unfortunately our biggest snow storm of the season didn’t start until after 8pm, so only microspikes (or crampons) were needed for tonite’s moonlight hike – left our snowshoes behind. Gem Lake is only a 1.7 mile hike (one-way) so tonite was all about the journey – and enjoying laughs with friends.

Snapped a few group pics showcasing our snowy Rocky Mountain view – WOW shots! ALSO snapped a shot of twinkling Estes Park down below – very Christmas card-esque. In addition to crampons, snowshoes & poles, packed a head lamp which I found wasn’t needed because of moonlight reflecting off the white snow. Such a BEAUTIFUL nite!

Our full moon dashed in and out of impending snow clouds until we reached Gem Lake, hemmed in by rock & frozen for the season. While Annmarie & I made ice angels on the lake, John unpacked a Bunsen Burner and fired up some s’mores. Seriously, my Colorado circle o’ friends ROCK!

Snow started blowing on our hike return but that didn’t deter us from stopping at the Stanley for some apps & light dinner (portabello fries were amaaazzzzing). Let the East Coast wait ‘til summer, every month is s’more season in Colorado 🙂